Toronto Mayor Congratulates Falun Dafa Day; Four Ontario Cities Raise Falun Dafa Day Flags and One Also Illuminates Their City Hall

(Minghui.org) In celebration of the 29th anniversary of Falun Dafa's public introduction and the 22nd World Falun Dafa Day, the Mayor of Toronto, Canada, sent a congratulatory letter to the Falun Dafa Association, on behalf of the Toronto City Council. Toronto is the capital of Ontario, Canada, the largest city in Canada, and one of the largest metropolitan areas in North America with the largest Chinese population.

On World Falun Dafa Day in 2021, nearly ten cities and towns in Canada celebrated the 29th anniversary of Falun Dafa's introduction in a special way--by raising the Falun Dafa Day flag or illuminating landmarks. On May 13, May 10, and May 11, four cities in Ontario--Kingston, St. Catharines, Orillia, and Orangeville--raised the Falun Dafa Day flag and issued proclamations, some with colored lights illuminating their city hall.

Canadian Cities Raise and Illuminate Flags to Mark Falun Dafa Day

Toronto Mayor: Wishing You Continued Success

Mayor John Tory of Toronto, Canada, sent a congratulatory letter to the Falun Dafa Association, honoring the 29th anniversary of Falun Dafa on behalf of the Toronto City Council.

In his letter, Toronto Mayor John Tory wrote: “It gives me great pleasure to extend greetings to everyone participating in the 29^th anniversary celebration hosted by the Falun Dafa Association of Toronto.

"Best wishes for your annual celebration, which will include story sharing, dancing, singing and other musical performances. Events such as this will encourage people to get involved in the community, connect with each other and contribute to the community’s strength.

"On behalf of the Toronto City Council, I would like to wish you all an enjoyable and memorable event.

"Please accept my best wishes for continued success.”

A congratulatory message from Toronto Mayor John Tory

City Councilor Attends Falun Gong Class, Flag Raising. and Illumination at Kingston City Hall

The City of Kingston, which has been honoring World Falun Dafa Day for the past 13 years, raised the flag for Falun Dafa Day on May 13 and lit up City Hall to mark the occasion

Kingston celebrated World Falun Dafa Day by raising the “Falun Dafa Day” flag in front of City Hall on May 13.

Kingston City Hall lights up on May 13 to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day.

Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson sent a proclamation.

For the thirteenth consecutive year, the City of Kingston has honored Falun Dafa Day. Mayor Bryan Paterson sent a proclamation recognizing May 13, 2021, as Falun Dafa Day and highlighting the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. The Falun Dafa Day flag was also raised in front of City Hall on May 13, and lights were lit at City Hall (Canada’s former capitol building) that evening. Kingston is a historic Canadian city and the home of John A. Macdonald, the founding Prime Minister of Canada.

Former Kingston Mayor and Liberal MP Mark Gerretsen sent a congratulatory video.

In a congratulatory video, former Kingston Mayor and Liberal MP Mark Gerretsen said, “As you celebrate World Falun Dafa Day, I extend my best wishes to the Falun Dafa community. During the exceptionally challenging time in our history, may we all be inspired by the teachings of Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance. Thank you for your meaningful and positive contributions to communities across Canada and around the globe.”

Lisa Osanic, City Councillor, City of Kingston

In her congratulatory letter, Kingston City Councillor Lisa Osanic wrote,

“I extend my greetings to honor International Falun Dafa Day on May 13, 2021. The compassion and forbearance demonstrated by Falun Dafa practitioners have touched the lives of many people across the globe. The principles of Truth, Compassion, and Tolerance are so important at this time.

"With so many of us feeling uncertain, isolated, and lonely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, thank you for providing Falun Dafa classes online to help our mental, moral, and physical wellbeing."

She said, “I personally signed up for the online course in early May!”

After taking her first online class, Lisa messaged a Falun Gong practitioner, “I really enjoyed taking the class. I slept well that night, and I think that was because of the class. I will watch more online classes to learn the exercises and remember all the moves. Congratulations on Falun Dafa Day!”

City of St. Catharines: Thankful for Falun Gong's Kindness over 29 years

A flag-raising ceremony was held on May 10 in St. Catharines, Ontario, with a congratulatory message from Mayor Walter Sendzik.

St. Catharine, Ontario, raised the flag to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day.

Congratulatory letter from Mayor Walter Sendzik of St. Catharines, Ontario

Falun Gong practitioners pose for a group photo as the flag is raised at St. Catharine, Ontario, to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day.

Orillia: Falun Gong Practitioners' Magnificent Compassion and Forgiveness Touches Every Good Person

On May 10, a flag-raising ceremony was held in Orillia, Ontario. Mayor Steve Clarke issued a proclamation on May 13, 2021, as “Orillia Falun Dafa Day.”

The “Falun Dafa Day” flag was raised in front of Orillia City Hall on May 10 to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day.

Falun Dafa practitioners pose for a group photo as the flag is raised in Orillia, Ontario, to celebrate Falun Dafa Day.

Practitioners pose for a group photo as the flag is raised in Orillia.

Proclamation from Mayor Steve Clarke of Orillia

Orangeville: Falun Dafa Transcends Cultural and Racial Boundaries

A flag-raising ceremony was held in Orangeville on May 11, 2021. Mayor Sandy Brown proclaimed Falun Dafa Day and declared May 13, 2021, to be the city’s Falun Dafa Day.

Mayor Sandy Brown of Orangeville issued a proclamation to honor Falun Dafa Day.

Background: What Is Falun Dafa?

Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) was first introduced to the public by Mr. Li Hongzhi in Changchun, China, in 1992. The spiritual discipline is now practiced in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Millions of people have embraced the practice, which is based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance and includes five gentle exercises, and experienced improved health and well-being.